Crime, tragedy and new business dominated the headlines during a busy 2015 in the Niles and Buchanan communities.

Throughout the next several issues of the Niles Daily Star, staff will count down the top stories of the year, culminating with the No. 1 story in the New Year’s Eve edition of the paper.

Editorial staff created the list based on stories that were the most read, most talked about and most impactful in the community. Stories 10 through eight are as follows:

 

No. 10: Wonderland Cinema begins selling alcohol

June was a happy month for people wanting to tip back an adult beverage while watching a movie.

For others, a decision by owners of the Wonderland Cinema in Niles to begin selling alcohol to customers served as an invitation for trouble.

While the story did not have a great impact on the community, it was one of Leader Publications’ most talked about stories, both online and on social media.

The story spurred lots of conversation on the Daily Star’s Facebook page, and was the fifth most clicked-on story on leaderpub.com during 2015, according to Google Analytics.

 

No. 9: Police start Most Wanted list

One of our most popular and impactful features of the year comes straight from the files of the Niles Police Department.

In June, Niles police began releasing a weekly list of its “most wanted” criminals, sought on charges ranging from armed robbery to drug possession to assault and battery.

In addition to being well read, the Niles’ Most Wanted feature provides the community with a valuable tool — knowledge of the people who are actively avoiding arrest.

It also allows readers to help police keep the community safe.

Nine of the people listed on Most Wanted this year were apprehended.

No. 8: Buchanan grows business, schools

A lot happened in Buchanan this year as residents witnessed the completion of two school bond projects and the start of a few major business developments.

In the fall, the district unveiled $2.4 million worth of additions and improvements at Ottawa Elementary School, allowing students an improved place in which to learn.

Construction also wrapped up at Buchanan Middle School, which received several upgrades, including a new seventh grade wing, gymnasium and walls in place of the school’s outdated open-concept design.

In the summer, the manager of Lehman’s Orchard in Bertrand Township announced the business would begin selling its own line of beer, spirits and wine at the former Clark Equipment Building on North Redbud Trail.

Fitness lovers rejoiced to hear that the owners of Bucktown Studios would build a new state-of-the-art 32,000-square-foot health and fitness center at the vacant 500 E. Third Street location. Construction has already begun.